Seaweed Harvester
かいそうさいしゅさぎょういん
Industry & Occupation
Classification
- Major : Agriculture, Forestry, and Fishery Occupations
- Middle : Fishery Occupations
- Minor : Seaweed and Shellfish Harvesters
Summary
Fisher who harvests natural or farmed seaweed in coastal or nearshore waters using boats or by hand, and supplies it to sorters and processors.
Description
Seaweed harvesters are specialists who collect wakame, kombu, nori, and other seaweeds from tidal flats, shallow sea aquaculture sites, and natural beds. They travel to sites using small boats and harvest seaweed by hand or with machinery (nets, cranes). Diving may be involved in some cases. After harvesting, they check maturity and contamination, then perform washing, sorting, and packing. They require knowledge and physical stamina to handle changing weather and sea conditions safely. They also coordinate with processors and wholesalers.
Future Outlook
Seaweed demand is expected to expand with increasing health consciousness and demand for functional foods. On the other hand, responding to changes in sea conditions due to climate change is a challenge.
Personality Traits
Cooperative / Interested in natural environments / Patient / Physically strong
Work Style
Onboard Work / Outdoor Work / Seasonal Variation / Team Work
Career Path
Seaweed Harvester → Aquaculture Manager → Fishery Cooperative Member → Team Leader/Site Supervisor → Seafood Wholesaler
Required Skills
Boat Operation / Fishing Gear Operation / Maritime Safety Knowledge / Seaweed Identification and Sorting
Recommended Skills
Diving and Underwater Work Skills / Machinery Operation (Cranes and Nets) / Quality Control / Weather and Sea Condition Forecasting Knowledge
Aptitudes (Strengths Preferred)
| Item | Description |
|---|---|
| Attention to Detail & Accuracy | Attention to detail is necessary to distinguish maturity and contamination for quality control. |
| Physical Stamina & Endurance | Physical stamina is required to endure long hours of heavy labor and outdoor work. |
| Stress Tolerance | Because the work involves harsh environments due to changes in weather and sea conditions. |
Aptitudes (Weaknesses Acceptable)
| Item | Description |
|---|---|
| Analytical & Logical Thinking | Because the work scope is routine and complex analysis is minimal. |
| Creativity & Ideation | Because routine tasks are the main focus rather than creative work. |
| Numerical & Quantitative Analysis | Advanced mathematical analysis is not needed, only quantity management. |
Related Qualifications
- Grade 2 Small Vessel Operator
Aliases
- Seaweed Collector
Related Jobs
- Aquaculture Worker
- Fisher
- Seaweed Aquaculture Manager
- Shellfish Harvester